Man jailed for raping and sexually assaulting child for almost a decade

A man who raped and sexually assaulted a young girl for almost a decade in the 1980s and 1990s has been jailed thanks to a comprehensive investigation by Met detectives.

Adrian Morbey, 72 (26.09.52), of Ashbourne Road, Romford, was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday, 27 November to a total of 15 years’ imprisonment, with an extended licence of one year. He will also be on the sex offenders’ register for life.

He was found guilty at the same court on Wednesday, 21 August of four counts of indecent assault on a child, two counts of indecency with a child and one count of raping a child aged under 16.

The offences took place between 1989 and 1996 when the victim was aged between seven and 15.

The court heard that in 1989 Morbey started to intercept the victim, then aged just seven, when she was on her way home from school and would take her to various locations. The offending began as sexual assault and progressed to rape. Morbey would also shower her with over-the-top gifts and money.

The victim’s mother approached police in 2018 and told them she believed her daughter had been sexually assaulted by Morbey. As a result, officers contacted the victim and asked her if she wanted to disclose any offences, she then revealed she had been sexually assaulted and raped by Morbey.

In December 2018, Morbey was interviewed under caution by detectives. When the allegations were put to him that he would intercept the victim from school and drive her to locations to sexually assault and later rape her, he replied: “Nah, not a chance.”

He later added that ‘I never behaved inappropriately with her at all’ and addressing the allegations, said ‘I’m gobsmacked. I’m completely floored.’

Detectives then worked tirelessly to prepare a file for the Crown Prosecution Service to secure charges, which included ensuring the victim’s statement was as detailed as possible as this was the pinnacle piece of evidence.

The victim was supported by specialist officers and she provided two detailed video recorded interviews where she thoroughly recalled the sexual abuse she was subjected to by Morbey.

Detectives also took statements from people close to the victim, who were able to detail what the victim had told them about the abuse she suffered at the hands of Morbey, providing additional evidence.

Detective Sergeant Charlie Yexley, from the East Area’s Public Protection team, said: “I would like to commend the victim for her bravery in reporting Morbey to us, and for having to re-live her horrific ordeal while providing two extremely detailed video recorded interviews to help ensure Morbey was brought to justice for his heinous crimes. The victim had understandably blocked out a lot of what Morbey had done to her and so it was extremely painful for her to talk about this nightmare in such detail. I hope him being behind bars gives her a little bit of closure.

“I would also like to commend the officer in the case DC Jessica Stephens for working so tirelessly to secure justice for the victim. Sexual assault and rape cases are never simple to investigate, never mind ones dating back over 30 years. However, this did not deter DC Stephens who was determined to see Morbey get his day in court – where the jury convicted him due to the overwhelming evidence presented.

“I hope this case highlights that the Met is committed to tackling violence against women and girls and we will thoroughly investigate all allegations of sexual assault, no matter how long ago they happened.”